In survival circles, prepping/preparedness and homesteading are two terms that are thrown around a lot. Some people insist that prepping is superior to homesteading or vice-versa, while others insist that the two can be complimentary and live in harmony. But, if you have the chance to look at both options and pick one, which would be better for you and your family? That is the question we’re going to dive into today.

Homesteading and Prepping, what are they?

To get started, let’s clarify what these two terms mean so that we can properly compare them:

Prepping

Per Dictionary.com, prepping is “the practice of making active preparations for a possible catastrophic disaster or emergency, typically by stockpiling food, ammunition, and other supplies.” Basically, it is being ready for disasters and making sure you have all the necessities and possibly comforts that you would need to survive them. Prepping is usually marked by purchasing supplies and stockpiling them rather than raising the animals or growing the vegetables, though some preppers will add small gardens to supplement food stores. Prepping is also very flexible, and can be practiced by anyone in any situation. Live in the rural hills with 100 acres? You can prep. Live in a high rise apartment? You can prep there too. The only limitations are what you’re willing to risk (living in an apartment obviously being more risky than living in the boonies a mile away from the nearest person if things go south) and your funds for purchasing gear and supplies.